Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An apparatus for controlling a portable terminal, the apparatus comprising: a sensor configured to sense a contact area of an external surface of the portable terminal contacted by a user as the user holds the portable terminal; and at least one processor configured to: determine a function mode of the portable terminal based on the sensed contact area and a stored recognition model that is updated, based on whether the determined function mode, after an execution of the function mode, was a function mode desired by the user; and select a function mode of the portable terminal corresponding to the determined function mode.
This invention relates to a portable terminal control apparatus that automatically selects functions based on how a user holds the device. The problem addressed is the need for intuitive, hands-free operation of portable terminals, particularly when a user's hands are occupied or when touchscreen interaction is inconvenient. The apparatus includes a sensor that detects the contact area of the external surface of the portable terminal where the user's hand makes contact. A processor analyzes this contact area using a stored recognition model to determine the intended function mode of the device. The recognition model is dynamically updated based on user feedback, learning whether the selected function mode was the one desired by the user after execution. This adaptive learning ensures the system improves over time, accurately predicting the user's intended function based on grip patterns. The processor then selects and executes the corresponding function mode, such as launching an application, adjusting settings, or performing other operations, without requiring explicit user input. This system enhances usability by reducing the need for manual interaction, particularly in scenarios where touch input is impractical.
2. A method for controlling a portable terminal, the method comprising: sensing, by a sensor of the portable terminal, a contact area of an external surface of the portable terminal contacted by a user as the user holds the portable terminal; determining, by at least one processor, a function mode of the portable terminal based on the sensed contact area and a stored recognition model that is updated based on whether the determined function mode, after an execution of the function mode, was a function mode desired by the user; and selecting, by the at least one processor, a function mode of the portable terminal corresponding to the determined function mode.
This invention relates to portable terminal control systems that adaptively determine and execute function modes based on how a user holds the device. The problem addressed is the lack of intuitive, hands-free control mechanisms for portable terminals, particularly when users need to perform specific functions without manually navigating menus or interfaces. The method involves a portable terminal equipped with sensors that detect the contact area of an external surface where a user holds the device. A processor analyzes this contact area using a stored recognition model to determine the intended function mode. The recognition model is dynamically updated based on whether the selected function mode matches the user's desired action after execution, improving accuracy over time. The processor then selects and executes the function mode corresponding to the determined mode. The system may also include additional steps such as adjusting the recognition model based on user feedback or historical usage patterns to refine future function mode selections. The sensors could be touch-sensitive, pressure-sensitive, or other types capable of detecting contact patterns. The function modes may include various operations like launching applications, adjusting settings, or activating specific features based on the user's grip or touch pattern. This adaptive approach enhances usability by reducing the need for manual input, particularly in scenarios where hands-free operation is beneficial.
3. A non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a program to implement a method, the method comprising: sensing, by a sensor of the portable terminal, a contact area of an external surface of the portable terminal contacted by a user as the user holds the portable terminal; determining, by at least one processor, a function mode of the portable terminal based on the sensed contact area and a stored recognition model that is updated, based on whether the determined function mode, after an execution of the function mode, was a function mode desired by the user; and selecting, by the at least one processor, a function mode of the portable terminal corresponding to the determined function mode.
This invention relates to portable terminals, specifically improving user interaction by dynamically selecting function modes based on how a user holds the device. The problem addressed is the lack of intuitive, context-aware control in portable terminals, where users must manually navigate menus or use physical buttons to access desired functions. The method involves a portable terminal equipped with sensors to detect the contact area of an external surface where a user holds the device. A processor analyzes this contact data using a stored recognition model to determine the intended function mode. The recognition model is adaptive, learning from user behavior by updating based on whether the selected function mode matches the user's actual intent after execution. If the chosen mode is incorrect, the system adjusts the model to improve future predictions. The processor then selects and activates the corresponding function mode, such as launching an application or adjusting settings, based on the determined mode. The system enhances usability by reducing manual input, allowing users to access functions simply by holding the device in a specific way. The adaptive learning ensures the model refines over time, increasing accuracy in predicting user intent. This approach is particularly useful for devices with limited physical controls or for users who prefer gesture-based interactions.
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September 24, 2019
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